09/10/2013  Happy Valley  Race 7

APPROVE began awkwardly. GLORIOUS RYDER bounded in the air at the start, shifted in and bumped SUPREME ESSENCE. After this, GLORIOUS RYDER was taken across behind runners. As the start was effected, AMAZINGLY lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began only fairly. From the outside barrier, PLEASURE GAINS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 900 Metres, ELEGANCE KLAMMER was taken into a position without cover by FLYING ELITE which, when commencing to prove difficult to settle, shifted away from the heels of SUPREME FLIGHT which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of APPROVE. After this, FLYING ELITE continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLOSSOM DAILY. Near the 850 Metres, EMPEROR CLAUDIUS, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of FLYING ELITE. At the 300 Metres, AMAZINGLY was checked and shifted in when disappointed for running between BLOSSOM DAILY and EMPEROR CLAUDIUS. Approaching the 200 Metres, EMPEROR CLAUDIUS was steadied when crowded for room between FLYING ELITE and BLOSSOM DAILY which, when commencing to give ground, shifted out slightly under pressure. SUPREME FLIGHT had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of the heels of ELEGANCE KLAMMER to continue improving. Passing the 150 Metres, AMAZINGLY was crowded for room between ELEGANCE KLAMMER and BLOSSOM DAILY which, when weakening, got its head on the side and shifted in away from SUPREME ESSENCE which shifted in in advance of BLOSSOM DAILY. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING ELITE, T H So stated that when the pace slackened after the 1000 Metres, FLYING ELITE commenced to over-race for a short distance but then travelled better after shifting away from the heels of SUPREME FLIGHT. He said FLYING ELITE came under pressure at the 500 Metres and after briefly responded to his riding was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He added whilst FLYING ELITE was disappointing, he did expect the horse to improve for the run as this was its first start for the season. A veterinary inspection of FLYING ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING ELITE, PLEASURE GAINS and APPROVE were sent for sampling.